Sen. Charles E. Schumer

Maddy summarySRES 823 is a symbolic Senate resolution recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15, 2024) and celebrating the cultural contributions and achievements of Latinos in the United States. It does not create new laws or affect specific groups; instead, it urges the public to observe the month through activities honoring Latino heritage. The resolution highlights Latinos' economic impact (e.g., $3.4 trillion purchasing power), demographic significance (19.5% of U.S. population), and historical military service, but these statistics serve as context, not policy changes. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal force and is intended to raise awareness, not alter government programs or funding.

Right to IVF Act This bill provides a statutory right to access fertility treatments (e.g., in vitro fertilization). Specifically, under the bill, individuals have the right to access fertility treatments and to make decisions about the use of their reproductive genetic material (e.g., embryos) without limitation or interference. Health care providers and insurers have the right to provide and cover these services, respectively. Manufacturers of applicable drugs or devices also have the right to provide these drugs or devices. The bill supersedes state laws that limit or otherwise interfere with the provision of fertility treatments as set out under this bill, including laws that require medically unnecessary procedures or services in conjunction with fertility treatments or that restrict the ability of individuals to receive fertility treatments based on marital status or sex (including sexual orientation or gender identity). The bill does not affect state health and safety regulations for medical facilities or health care providers that are in accordance with widely accepted and evidence-based medical standards and for which the purpose cannot be achieved in another, nonrestrictive manner. The Department of Justice may bring civil actions against states, individuals, or entities that implement or enforce limitations or requirements that violate this bill. Individuals and health care providers may also bring civil actions.  In addition, the bill provides for coverage of fertility treatments under Medicare and Medicaid and for members of the uniformed services and veterans. It also requires private insurers that cover obstetrical services to also cover fertility treatments.

Maddy summarySRES 809 is a Senate resolution designating September 13, 2024, as "National Sepsis Day" to align with the international observance of "World Sepsis Day." The resolution expresses support for raising public awareness about sepsis - a serious condition causing approximately 350,000 U.S. deaths annually - and emphasizes the importance of early detection and treatment. It does not create new laws, allocate funding, or directly affect any individuals or programs; instead, it serves as a symbolic gesture to encourage education and attention toward sepsis prevention. The resolution was introduced by Senators Schumer and Van Hollen and referred to the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the CDC to establish a sepsis program team focused on improving hospital practices for early sepsis detection and treatment, with specific emphasis on pediatric cases and racial disparities. Key mechanisms include updating health data standards, requiring hospitals to adopt evidence-based protocols (like the Hospital Sepsis Program Core Elements), and mandating annual congressional reports on hospital adoption rates and pediatric sepsis outcomes. Hospitals may voluntarily join a "honor roll" program recognizing effective sepsis programs, while the CDC coordinates with Medicare/Medicaid to develop quality measures. The bill authorizes $20 million annually (2025-2029) to fund these initiatives, targeting hospitals and federal health agencies to reduce sepsis-related deaths.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SRES 807) assigns the majority party's members to three key Senate committees for the 118th Congress: Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; Finance; and Foreign Relations. It specifies the exact senators who will serve on each committee, including committee chairs (e.g., Mr. Brown for Banking, Mr. Wyden for Finance, Mr. Cardin for Foreign Relations). The assignments remain in effect until new members are chosen, ensuring committee composition aligns with the majority party's leadership for the current congressional term. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new policy but formalizes existing committee membership structure.

Maddy summaryS 4973, the "No Kings Act," removes presidential and vice presidential immunity from federal criminal prosecution, requiring such cases to be handled in federal district courts with appeals limited to the D.C. Circuit. The bill specifically bars the Supreme Court from reviewing cases involving claims of presidential immunity for official acts, including dismissals of indictments or overturning convictions. It directly affects current and former presidents and vice presidents by subjecting them to the same federal criminal accountability as all other citizens. Key provisions prevent courts from considering whether alleged crimes were part of official duties unless Congress specifies otherwise, and clarify that state criminal laws remain applicable.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to affirm that no person, including the President and other federal officials, is above the law. It would require all officials holding authority under the U.S. government to be subject to ordinary criminal prosecution for both official and unofficial actions. The amendment mandates that general laws apply to the President unless specified otherwise and grants Congress power to enforce this by, for example, extending the statute of limitations for prosecuting a sitting President during their term. If ratified by three-fourths of states, this change would become part of the Constitution, altering how federal law applies to high-level government officials.

Maddy summarySRES 800 is a symbolic Senate resolution introduced on August 1, 2024, by a bipartisan group of senators. It condemns the July 13, 2024, attempted assassination of Donald J. Trump at a Butler, Pennsylvania, rally and honors three individuals affected: Corey D. Comperatore (who died shielding his family), David Dutch (critically injured), and James Copenhaver (critically injured). The resolution calls for national unity and civility following the violent incident. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but expresses the Senate's stance on the event.

Maddy summaryS 4487, the Small Business Artificial Intelligence Training Act of 2024, requires the Secretary of Commerce to develop free training resources and toolkits on AI and key emerging technologies (like quantum-hybrid computing) for small businesses. These materials will cover practical areas including financial management, cybersecurity, marketing, and government contracting, with specific focus on businesses in rural, Tribal, or underserved communities and advanced manufacturing. The training will be distributed through existing Small Business Administration networks like small business development centers and SCORE. The Secretary must update the resources every two years and report to Congress on their distribution and measurable outcomes, such as the number of businesses using them and impacts on revenue or workforce.

Maddy summaryThe NSF AI Education Act of 2024 creates federal scholarship programs for undergraduate and graduate students studying artificial intelligence (AI) at U.S. colleges and universities. The bill establishes specific scholarship tracks for AI and agriculture, AI and education, and AI and advanced manufacturing, with priority given to students at rural-serving institutions, Tribal Colleges, and historically underserved communities. It also creates Centers of AI Excellence at community colleges and vocational schools, funds AI resources for schools, and requires the development of guidance for AI use in K-12 classrooms. The legislation aims to expand access to AI education across diverse educational settings and support workforce development in AI-related fields.